Poehler, Colman face backlash after discussing working while sick on podcast

Two high-profile actors are facing backlash after discussing their work habits on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, where they described never missing a day of work and showing up to set while sick. Olivia Colman, speaking with Amy Poehler, said she has had pneumonia twice and still worked during filming, calling the choice potentially stupid but defending the idea of pushing through illness in earlier generations. Poehler, best known for playing Leslie Knope on Parks and Rec, said she never missed a day of work on the show and completed 120 episodes, noting she has historically been told that a perfect attendance record isn’t something to celebrate. The conversation also touched on a broader notion that a productivity myth was sold to the generations before them, with Colman acknowledging there may be a need for a healthier balance.

Colman pressed the point about younger workers’ reluctance to perform while sick, saying, Some of the younger people — I don’t know where it comes from — but if they have a little bit of a cold, they won’t do the show and I don’t understand. She added that the stance might be a result of overcorrection, and she suggested there could be a middle ground. Poehler, for her part, recalled an era when attendance was celebrated, even at the cost of personal health, and she reflected on how that mindset affected behavior and expectations. She recounted a moment from her own career when she went to work with a fever and described the experience as a fever dream, underscoring the line between dedication and risking one’s health. The two also discussed their memories of fans and colleagues who expected the show to go on, regardless of illness, and the tension between resilience and responsibility.

The remarks drew immediate backlash on social media, with many critics arguing that going to work while contagious or seriously ill is irresponsible and dangerous. Some commenters urged performers and others with means to stay home and prioritize recovery, particularly when illnesses can spread in close-contact environments like television sets. Viewers who defended the pair were outnumbered by those who said the message contributes to a harmful culture that normalizes illness and discourages taking sick days.

In later exchanges, the conversation touched on the notion of a productivity myth that has historically urged constant hustle, and both actresses acknowledged the need for balance. Colman suggested that while it may have been common in their generation to push through illness, there should be a healthier middle ground. Poehler agreed that celebrating perfect attendance isn’t necessarily a model to replicate, even as she conceded that her own experiences were shaped by a culture that rewarded relentless work. The exchange sparked renewed discussion about health, workplace norms, and how public figures frame the tension between dedication and well-being, particularly as audiences increasingly advocate for mental and physical health days.

Health experts and labor commentators note that episodes like this highlight ongoing debates about sick days, workplace culture, and the spread of infectious diseases in professional settings. While the exact context of the podcast conversation remains a retrospective reflection on past attitudes, the public response underscores a growing expectation that employers and media figures model safer health practices. The incident serves as a reminder that health considerations, even for high-profile performers, resonate beyond the studio and into broader conversations about daily life and productivity.